Ilfracombe to Croyde Bay
Jagged rocks and thunderous waves, a long beach for weekend surfers, a lighthouse and glimpses of seals, a windy walk around Baggy Point with a vertiginous drop to the surf, views of Lundy Island.
Felsen wie Zähne und donnernde Wellen, ein Leuchtturm und schwimmende Robben, ein langer Sandstrand für die Surferszene, eine erfrischende Umrundung des Vorsprungs Baggy Point mit schwindelerregenden Augenblicken, die Insel Lundy in der Ferne.
The route, day 31
Climbing and descending again and again along the rocky coast from Ilfracombe to Woolacombe, then a flat sandy beach, up and around Baggy Point, over sand again to the south end of Croyde Bay. 15 miles/24 km and 758 metres/2,487 ft ascent
Immer wieder hinauf und hinunter an der felsigen Küste von Ilfracombe to Woolacombe, dort am flachen Sandstrand entlang, wieder hinauf um Baggy Point zu umrunden, schließlich wieder über Sand bis zum Süden der Bucht in Croyde. 24 km, 758 Höhenmeter.
West from Ilfracombe
Lee Beach
Sandy Cove
Bennett's Mouth
Bull's Point Lighthouse, Lundy Island on the horizon
Up and Down
The coast path west of Ilfracombe isn't an easy walk. Climbs of 758 metres set the heart pumping, and descents of 758 metres test the knees.
Pulling up out of Ilfracombe
Walkers between Bull Point and Morte Point have a climb ahead of them
View back to Morte Point after another ascent
Seals near Morte Point
Woolacombe Bay
After four hours of rough hiking in inspiring scenery with few other people around, the day-trippers and surfing crowd on a Sunday in Woolacombe felt unbearable. It was a relief to leave the town and walk away over two miles of firm golden sand.
View from the north towards Woolacombe
From the south end of Woolacombe-Putsborough beach
Lucky Christine! - the seat and the view of Woolacombe Bay
Baggy Point
Croyde Bay
Watching the breakers from a safe distance over a pint of beer, it was easy to see why surfers come to this coast.
Croyde Bay. John Sykes was here, 27 April 2024